In America, and perhaps elsewhere in the world, we seem quick to place blame.  Often, we're quick to take litigious action as well.  Slip on the ice in front of someone's house?  It's there fault for not salting, so sue them.  It certainly isn't your fault for being not being aware of your surroundings.  Burn yourself on coffee?  Sue the restaurant who, heaven forbid, thought you might like your hot beverage- well, hot. 

I think we've all heard these types of stories, unfortunately.  There is also the desire to blame others for things that really are your fault.  You don't have a significant other?  It's because all men (or women depending on your preference) are jerks/idiots/insert other fitting term here.  It can't possibly be because you don't shower and spend your free time picking your nose.  These are some light hearted examples, but I think you can get the idea.  It feels better to blame others for things that we don't like.  That way we don't have to change.  That way we can somehow imagine we are better.

There is another, less obvious problem with responsibility assignment. More Here...

Don't get me wrong: I don't mean to suggest families can't have Game Nights or that they can't have fun with video games. The choices Wal-Mart makes in their commercials, meanwhile, are almost insultingly unrealistic. One memorable ad has Mom, Dad, Sis and Bro all huddled around the Xbox 360. Bro is apparently the family champion of the system, and on one lucky night, Sis "crushes" him. Mom and Dad are worried about Bro being angry, but he shows restraint and congratulates her on a good game.

Of course, no gameplay is ever shown; your imagination is left to wander as you hear the random bleeps and bloops coming from the TV set. Given the ages of the kids, though, I'd really like to know what game Little Sis is actually able to beat Big Bro at, possible coaching by Dad be damned. At the very least, playing the Wii would make more sense. And how many boys would really be that nice to their sister if they got killed in a game they were supposedly good at? I don't care if you're 12 or twice that age, you're probably going to want to smash something.


In one of their newer, more game-specific ads, Mom is practically the first one on the couch, eyes all lit up, demanding the kids get over to the system for...NBA Live 10? No offense, ladies, but even if you're not a mother, chances are you won't be salivating to play this game with your family. If Commercial Mom is anything like my real mom, chances are she'd be pushing buttons in a random fashion, asking questions like, "Who am I?", "Who are these people supposed to be?", "How do I move?" and "Whose idea was it to buy this damn game?"

There are other commercials in the series, which can be viewed here. At least the Nintendo DSi spot is kind of funny; Mom is a bit eccentric, but her accomplishment is realistically proportionate even if her response isn't. For the most part, though, game enthusiasts will want to do a face-palm upon seeing these ads. Perhaps I'm a cynic, but most parents will be buying these games and systems so their kids will entertain themselves. More likely would be a family gathering around a board game or a movie. Moreover, the whole "all smiles" world where everyone is happier than you will ever be is nauseating. It's bad enough I have to see it in Olive Garden ads, but don't let it ruin my gaming too.

Have you seen the Wal-Mart Family Moments ads on TV? What was your reaction?